Approximately 1,500 MU students who graduated in 2020 were able to return for an in-person commencement over the weekend. Every student was allocated six tickets for friends and family to join in the celebration. The act of rescheduling the commencement was no easy task. News Bureau Director Christian Basi said university staff had to work around the clock to analyze the safest way to conduct the event while giving it a “traditional Mizzou feeling.” “Those conversations never stopped. They involved dozens of staff throughout the university working every day to determine… How do we make this happen?” Basi said. Graduates were also able to participate in the ceremonial Tiger Prowl, the tradition where students run through the columns and receive a graduation beer. To combat COVID-19 regulations, students received sealed canned beers instead of Alumni Association members filling cups from a tap. Graduates were also put in groups to run through the column every 20 minutes instead of all at once.